Germany, Imperial. A Period Postcard With Studio Portrait Of Generaloberst Josias Von Heeringen (Pour Le Mérite)

The photo shows Generaloberst (Colonel General) von Heeringen in uniform, wearing the Grand Cross of the Red Eagle Order. The card is from the series “German Army Leaders”, no. 9. On the reverse, the postcard is identified as a welfare card, however, the beneficiary is not named. Apart from a stamp giving the name “K. Hamelmann”, the reverse is unused. Measuring 89x140mm, extremely fine condition with minimal scuffing.

Footnote: Josias von Heeringen (1850–1926) joined the Prussian army in 1867. He served in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71 where he was severely wounded and received the Iron Cross 2nd Class. In 1887, Heeringen began serving for the Ministry of War in the rank of Major. Between 1909 and 1913, he served as Minister of War. During the First War, Heeringen was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the 7th Army on the Western Front. He received the Pour le Mérite on August 28, 1915 for successfully defending the Alsace region against French forces in the Battle of Mulhouse. Between 1916 and 1918, Heeringen served as Commander-in-Chief of Coastal Defense. After the war, he became president of the Kyffhäuser warriors’ and veterans’ league in late 1919, an office he held until his death.